The association between tooth loss and difficulties in food consumption in senior population

Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify food consumption problems associated with tooth loss among older adults.

Materials and Methods

The study included data from randomly selected 751 participants aged ≥60 years. The number of teeth was determined during a dental examination. Teeth considered present included natural dentition and teeth restored with fixed prostheses or implants. Participants were divided into three groups: I (28–21 teeth; functional dentition), II (20–1 teeth), and III (edentulous). Food consumption problems were assessed using items from OHIP-14 (4 questions) and GOHAI (4 questions) questionnaires. Responses were categorized as never, sometimes, and often. The chi-square test with post hoc pairwise comparisons was used, p-value <0.05.

Results
There were no differences between the groups according to the ability to swallow food. With regard to the previous 3 months, participants with functional dentition reported limiting the types of food they ate less frequently than those in Groups II and III (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). They also reported fewer difficulties biting hard foods than participants in the other two groups (p<0.001) and experienced discomfort while eating less frequently than those with 1–20 teeth (p<0.001). Regarding the previous 12 months, participants with functional dentition reported worsening of taste less frequently than those in Groups II and III (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). They also experienced less discomfort while eating, were more satisfied with their diet, and were less likely to interrupt meals because of problems with oral cavity than participants in Groups II and III (all p<0.001).

Conclusions
Among older adults, a lower number of remaining teeth was significantly associated with food consumption problems. Individuals with functional dentition reported problems less frequently than those with partial or complete tooth loss. Preserving functional dentition contributes to more comfortable food consumption and may positively influence overall well-being.